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When out cruising the LGSs, I often find nice old single shot .22 bolt guns in the rack. The prices are usually very good and I figure buying one will satisfy my new gun lust without breaking the bank.

Any suggestions on which models are best? I generally prefer old Remingtons or Winchesters.

Also, in the higher price range, how good are the Kimber Military trainers as sold by the DCM? I see them frequently.

Thanks.

Best? Boy, I don't know. For the money? Probably a Mossberg of some sort. They are inexpensive, and really shoot well. I have a Remington model 33 and a 514. I think the 514 is probably better, in terms of the bolt design and strength, but the 33 has that old school ergonomics that I love. In light of the ammo shortages, single shots make a lot of sense, for the same reasons they always have. You don't use a lot of ammo, and you tend to think about the shot more. I don't know why, but those old cheap guns work real good. Have at it - I don't think ANY Remington or Winchester will let you down. I DO like to put peep sights on them. I can't see leaf sights very well anymore.

I have bought four Remington 580s within the past two years, each for under $150. One has Williams target sights on it and is my Son's NRA 50-foot match rifle. The other three have been rebarreled to 17HM2 and 17HMR (x2) with reworked Green Mountain 77/17 barrels.

Remington 33

i have a western field mossberg variant that does dime size groups at 50 yards. it was given to me as a fixer upper and have $25 into it. its scopable.

my remington score master oozes cool though. looks or performance drives which one i grab.

67 Winchester.

It would be a toss up for me between the 510 Remington and a 580. The 67 Winchester mentioned would also be good. I have a 33 and a 41 Rem. and I prefer the rifles with a safety rather than manual cock models. The 33 and 41 shoot well but the 510 and 580's are very accurate also. Look for a 510-X model and it is already grooved to scope. My 510's out shoot the 33 and 41 easily.

I've had a 581 since 1967, so I'm familiar with the type. The 510 would be moret to my liking due to the lack of plastic. The Win 67 seems a bit more basic and I've never heard anyone brag on how they shoot, but mainly about their simplicity and nostalga.

Maybe I should have asked if there were any I should avoid.

Thanks to everyone so far.

Those old 67's shoot pretty well. I use mine with CB shorts in the back yard to kill crats and tree rats. Quieter than most pellet rifles and plenty accurate out to about 25 yards.

15 years ago I could get a Remington 510 [with the bee hive bolt] single shot for $60.

Most of the 510 series did not come drilled and tapped for scope or with 3/8" dovetail mounts. I have them from 1940 to 1961.
I drill and tap with 6-48 threads for Weaver mounts.
The books will say #42 Weaver on the barrel and #43 Weaver on the receiver, but I like to put two #43 Weavers on the receiver.

With most 22LR HP ammo these will shoot a 1" 5 shot group at 50 yards.

So will an off the shelf 10/22 and it goes bang,bang,bang, bang.

But there is something satisfying about a single shot 22.

Now the Rem 510s are worth $150.

So now I buy bolt action Mossbergs and Marlins with missing magazines for $50. That makes the single shots and cheap.